Stretchly review (2026): is it any good?
Open-source break reminder for Mac, Windows and Linux
Stretchly report card
Very good · out of 4.0 · graded Nov 13, 2026
Best for break reminders on Mac, Windows and Linux
Stretchly is a free open-source break reminder with mini and long breaks and idle awareness. It is desktop only, the Mac build is unsigned so first launch needs a workaround, and sponsors get a few extra preferences.
Who Stretchly is for
- Fits if you sit at a Mac, Windows or Linux computer all day and forget to rest
- Works for people who want a free reminder with no account
Who Stretchly is not for
- Skip it if you want it on a phone, as no mobile version is listed
- Watch out: the Mac build is unsigned and needs a Gatekeeper workaround to open
- Watch out: Mac needs macOS Monterey (12) or later
- Tight if you want preference sync, since Sync Preferences goes to sponsors
Why Stretchly gets a 3.0
Five grades, each with its reason. The GPA is their average: an A is 4 points, an F is none.
- AValue for moneyFree and open source, with optional sponsorship on GitHub or Patreon.
- AFree plan and trialThe full app is free; sponsors only get contributor and sync preferences.
- BFeaturesMini and long breaks, break ideas, idle and do-not-disturb awareness, postpone and strict mode and command-line control, with no gap the listing names.
- CEase of useNo rating on record. The Mac build is unsigned, so first launch needs a Gatekeeper workaround.
- CPlatforms and integrationsMac, Windows and Linux, a program for computers only, with no phone version.
What these grades rest on. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from Jan Hovancik's own pages on 13 November 2026. Not based on using the product, and shorter than our full reviews. How we review and grade.
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<a href="https://toolgpa.com/tools/stretchly#review"><img src="https://toolgpa.com/badge/stretchly.svg" alt="Stretchly: 3.0 GPA on ToolGPA" width="196" height="56"></a>Where Stretchly stands among focus apps
Stretchly's GPA of 3.0 is higher than 60 of the 83 other focus apps we grade, and level with 15.
It stands best on free plan and trial (A, above 64 of 83) and worst on ease of use (C, above 1).
Stretchly has no paid plan.
On features, ease of use and platforms it scores 2.3 out of 4. Nothing scores higher for less, though at least one tool matches that score at a lower price.
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 84 focus apps we grade, cut by the letter each got. Stretchly’s own letter is outlined.
- AValue for moneyAbove 47 of 83, level with 36
- AFree plan and trialAbove 64 of 83, level with 19
- BFeaturesAbove 62 of 83, level with 20
- CEase of useAbove 1 of 83, level with 20
- CPlatforms and integrationsAbove 11 of 83, level with 42
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 70 focus apps. Further left costs less, and higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. Point at a dot to see which tool it is.
Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
- The best score at each price
- Has a free plan
- No free plan
Keep Stretchly, or make your own?
Keep it
Stretchly is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
And it is not the kind of software a weekend replaces. It is one of the better ones too: its GPA of 3.0 is higher than 60 of the 83 other focus apps we grade.
What you could not
- A native app living in the menu bar.
- Apps for macOS, Windows and Linux that stay in step with each other.
- The depth: we grade its features B, which means it covers the whole job.
What this rests on. Stretchly’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
What is Stretchly?
Stretchly is a free, open-source desktop app that lives in the tray and reminds you to take breaks. By default it sets a 20-second mini break every 10 minutes and a 5-minute long break every 30 minutes, with a break idea in each reminder. Preferences are customizable and saved in a JSON file.
Worth knowing
- Desktop only; no phone version is listed.
- The Mac build is unsigned, so first launch needs a Gatekeeper workaround.
- Mac needs macOS Monterey (12) or later.
- Sync Preferences and Contributor Preferences go to sponsors and contributors.
Key features
- Mini and long breaks
- Defaults to a 20-second mini break every 10 minutes and a 5-minute long break every 30 minutes; all intervals are adjustable.
- Break ideas
- Each reminder window carries a suggestion for the break.
- Idle and Do Not Disturb awareness
- Pauses breaks after 5 idle minutes and while Do Not Disturb is on.
- Postpone and strict mode
- A break can be postponed once, and strict modes can stop skipping.
- Command-line control
- A stretchly command talks to the running app.
Stretchly pricing
As of Nov 13, 2026, Stretchly is free to use.
- Starts at
- Free
- Free plan
- Free app. Optional sponsorship on GitHub or Patreon unlocks contributor preferences and preference sync.
- Free trial
- None listed
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | The full app; sponsors also get Contributor Preferences and Sync Preferences. |
Read from hovancik.net on Nov 13, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with Stretchly before you buy.
Stretchly alternatives
- Stretchly vs Time Out
Free plan · from $4.99/mo
- Stretchly vs Focus Bear
Free plan · from $9.99/mo
Common questions
Does Stretchly have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. Stretchly is listed for macOS, Windows and Linux.
Does Stretchly have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. Stretchly is listed for macOS, Windows and Linux.
Is Stretchly open source?
Yes. Stretchly is open source, according to its own site.
Does Stretchly work offline?
Yes, according to its own site. What works without a connection differs by plan and platform, so check the vendor's page for the detail.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Nov 13, 2026.